Who Really Are the Most Influential People in the World?

A Deafening Silence — With labor problems placing the NFL season in jeopardy, sports journalist Evan Weiner finds it puzzling that governors such as New Jersey's Chris Christie have had little involvement with the issue. Read

Born in the USA? — As he flirts with the idea of running for president in 2012. Donald Trump's is raising familiar questions about President Obama's birthplace. Hall Institute Executive Director Michael P. Riccards, a presidential scholar, is among those -- from both the left and the right -- who have dismissed the birther argument. Read

Humanitarians vs. Economists — In a recent speech delivered at Hillsdale College, William McGurn, a vice president at News Corporation and former chief speechwriter for President George W. Bush, argued that, when it comes to seeing the potential in even the most desperate citizens, economists, business leaders and champions of a commercial republic are often far ahead of progressives, artists and humanitarians. Read

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The Hall Institute is a non-partisan, not-for-profit foundation established to explore social, economic, educational and cultural issues. Our goal is to foster constructive debate and discussion and build a stronger, better New Jersey.

Since our inception in 2005, the Hall Institute has been at the forefront of public policy in our state. We conduct research and present public forums on timely topical issues, such as public pensions, health care reform and higher education funding. The institute has had a strong presence in New Jersey's last three statewide elections by sponsoring online virtual debates that provide citizens with substantive information on where the candidates stand on the major issues confronting our state.

The Hall Institute website features more than 400 papers and provides a platform for individuals and organizations to express opinions and offer ideas and suggestions.

We also produce our own public affairs television program and use podcasts, blogs and social networking to share our work and seek feedback. In addition to our other activities, the institute has published two books -- The State of the Garden State and Reaction and Reform in New Jersey. Both are compilations of the major papers posted on our website. A third volume, Creating A Common Future: New Jersey and Public Policy, was published online.

Located in Trenton at 224 West State Street, the institute was established by George E. Hall, a successful business executive and a leading philanthropist who lives in Middletown, N.J.